Kane Williamson Makes Welcome Return to New Zealand Test Squad for West Indies Series

In a significant boost for the New Zealand Test side, star batter Kane Williamson has been named in the 14-man squad for the first Test against the West Indies, marking his return to the longest format after nearly a year away.

Williamson last played a Test for the Black Caps in December 2024 and had opted out of the series against Zimbabwe earlier this year. To prepare for his international comeback, he will feature for Northern Districts in the Plunkett Shield, aiming to regain his red-ball rhythm before the Test series begins.

The squad also sees the return of Daryl Mitchell, who has successfully recovered from the minor groin injury that sidelined him during the recent ODI series against the same opposition.

The pace bowling department features the inclusion of Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, and Blair Tickner. Duffy and Foulkes, who made their Test debuts together against Zimbabwe, impressed immediately, with Foulkes recording the best match figures by a New Zealander on debut (9/75). Tickner returns to the Test setup for the first time since March 2023.

Notably, key players like Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips were not considered for selection as they continue to follow a controlled return-to-play plan, while other pacers like Matt Fisher and Will O’Rourke remain on the sidelines with injuries.

New Zealand squad for West Indies Series:

Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his delight at Williamson’s return, stating, “Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group.”

The first Test against the West Indies is scheduled to begin at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on December 2.

                                               

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